Study Reveals Endoscopes May Be Susceptible to Inadequate Sterilization Despite Following Reprocessing Guidelines

Vision-Sciences EndoSheath(R) Technology Offers a Sterile, Single-Use Solution for Endoscopic Procedures


ORANGEBURG, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association ("JAMA") (Volume 312, issue No. 14) focused on an endoscopic outbreak that included bacteria transmission of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)–producing Escherichia coli, via endoscope to nine patients at a hospital in Illinois. The research study concluded that bacterial contamination "appeared to persist despite the absence of recognized reprocessing lapses." The study's conclusion strongly suggested that facilities should be aware of the potential for transmission of bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant organisms, via duodenoscopy.

"We believe this study is illustrative of the growing complexity of devices and cleaning routines required to ensure endoscopes are clean and sterile in a world of increasingly difficult-to-kill bacteria and viruses," stated Howard Zauberman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision-Sciences. "We believe that instruments utilizing sterile, single-use patient contact components are the future of endoscopic treatment."

The Vision-Sciences EndoSheath Technology is a cost-effective and patented solution for patients, doctors, and medical facilities. The system combines a reusable endoscope with a sterile, disposable cover that acts as a barrier between the endoscope and patient. The technology ensures that the only components contacting the patient during the procedure are sterile and contaminant-free. With the FDA-cleared EndoSheath Technology, an endoscope is placed inside a new, sterile cover for each endoscopy – isolating the endoscope from any patient contact during the procedure. The EndoSheath cover, including all the organic material and bio-burden from the patient, is discarded after the procedure, safeguarding against the use of an unclean or non-sterile endoscope instrument with the next patient.

The investigational research study, NewDelhi Metallo-β-Lactamase–Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Associated With Exposure to Duodenoscopes can be found at http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1911326.

Howard Zauberman, President and Chief Executive Officer, is available for in-person meetings or phone interviews. Please contact Mitch Kayden at (845) 709-5607 or mkayden@onitdigital.com for more information and to set up an interview.

About Vision-Sciences, Inc.

Vision-Sciences, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for flexible endoscopy. The Company's unique product lines feature a streamlined visualization system and proprietary sterile disposable microbial barrier, known as EndoSheath technology, providing users with efficient and cost effective endoscope turnover while enhancing patient safety. Information about Vision-Sciences' products is available at www.visionsciences.com.

Vision-Sciences, Inc. owns the registered trademarks Vision Sciences®, EndoSheath®, EndoWipe®, Slide-On®, and The Vision System®.


            

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